The number of Australians unaccounted for in Nepal's devastating floods has climbed to 41, as the national death toll from the disaster has reached approximately 600. Officials are describing the scene as one of "devastation beyond imagination" following a massive glacier collapse that triggered a "tsunami from the sky."
The deluge, which surged as high as 650 feet, tore through villages and popular tourist areas in Nepal's Rasuwa region on Wednesday. Footage captured by locals shows people fleeing for their lives as the floodwaters rapidly advanced.
Beyond the fatalities, an estimated 1,924 people are currently missing. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has deployed officials to the region to aid in recovery and identification efforts. The Australian government's travel advisory has been updated, urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to major flash flooding and mudslides.
Among the missing is 37-year-old outdoor education leader Michael Keats, who was trekking near the Himalayan border when the flood struck. His sister, Katie, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing hope for his safe return.
Young hiker Cara Severino, 26, from Wollongong, was stranded at Kyangjia Gompa but managed to make brief contact with her parents. She is not included in the current tally of missing Australians.
Community vigils have been held in Sydney and Melbourne to support the families of those affected. Australians in Nepal requiring urgent assistance are advised to contact DFAT's 24-hour consular emergency center.